FHSD Implements New Website Accessibility Monitoring System

FHSD strives to communicate effectively with all members of the community. To ensure that the District and all school and program websites are accessible to everyone, FHSD has implemented a new accessibility monitoring system. Monsido is an online scanner that tracks website accessibility compliance as outlined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The tool highlights occurrences in the website that are non-compliant with these industry standards and provides guidelines on how to rectify them.

The implementation of this new tool stems from the District’s efforts to make information readily available to all, and the requirements of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which requires agencies to provide those with different abilities equal access to electronic information. FHSD strives to reach Level AA accessibility in accordance with the WCAG. These guidelines set standards for things like color contrast (to assist those with color blindness), hyperlink and alternative text (for those who utilize screen readers), captions (for those with hearing impairments), and more.

FHSD’s previous web accessibility monitoring system was only active on the District website. With the implementation of Monsido, the District is able to cover all sites (including three early childhood centers, ten elementary schools, five middle schools, four high schools, and two program websites). With this change in monitoring software vendors, there was no increase in the overall cost of the service.